From Culture to Commodity: The History of the Indie Rock Genre
Nokes, Max
Nokes, Max
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Abstract
Over the several decades, the music genre of indie rock has transformed from its scene-based subcultural roots into a genre that uses aesthetics and fluidity with other genres in the digital age. This thesis looks at the evolution of indie rock, where we look at the history and influence of both punk and grunge—two important subcultures whose D.I.Y. ethics and alternative mindsets helped define the early indie rock identity. By using subcultural theory, particularly through the work of Dick Hebdige and the Birmingham Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies, this thesis examines how early indie rock thrived due to the reliance of alternative music subcultures and their resistance through music, style, and community. However, as indie rock moved into the 2000s and today, these subcultural qualities would fade due to the genre’s reliance on forward experimentation, focus on aesthetics, the creation of the internet and streaming services, and a new emphasis on individuality. This would lead to understanding post-subcultural theory, where this thesis explores how indie rock evolved from a set genre into a more vague and aestheticized mood—defined as much by social, fashion choices, playlist culture, and an emotional resonance. Throughout the genre’s history, indie rock blooms out of its subcultural roots while managing to have its rebellious and alternative soul.
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Thesis (B.A. in Art History)--John Cabot University, Spring 2025.
Date
2025
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Keywords
Indie pop music, Alternative rock music
Citation
Nokes, Max. "From Culture to Commodity: The History of the Indie Rock Genre". BA Thesis, John Cabot University, Rome, Italy. 2025.